Purdue research to make solar energy in Indiana more viable option WEST LAFAYETTE, IN (wbaa) - Indiana's expert on electricity consumption thinks solar energy has to be more cost-effective for it to compete with current fuel sources.

State Utility Forecasting Group Director Doug Gotham says it costs about twice as much to get electricity from solar power than coal.

He made the comments during testimony to the state's Regulatory Flexibility Committee.

Gotham says researchers at Purdue are examining how to make photovoltaic cells less expensive.

He says large solar farms are not a good option for Indiana now.

But he thinks solar energy capture systems may be a good investment for individual businesses or homeowners. © Copyright 2009, wbaa